After you conduct your second observation of your space for your mapping project, please post a second set of field notes here before class begins on Monday, May 17.
As you make notes from your observations, please make sure you include the following information: 1) Date, time, and place of observation; 2) Specific facts, numbers, and details; 3) Sensory impressions: sights, sounds, textures, smells, tastes; 4) Personal response to your observations—both the act of recording and how others responded to you; 5) Specific words, phrases, summaries of conversations/interviews, and any insider language; 6) Questions that your observations generate for you as the researcher (ones that you might pursue in your subsequent observations).
As you conclude this set of notes, please write a paragraph in which you summarize your observation, paying attention to what you noticed that was either similar to your previous observation or different. What do you think accounts for this?
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ReplyDeleteObservation day 2:
ReplyDeleteDate: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Time: 8:45 – 11:00 am
Location: Colorado State Capitol building
8:55 – As I enter the building, I see a group of about 20 middle school aged children in the main area of the first floor.
9:00 – I got to the second floor. The place that was full of lobbyists a few days before only had 4 lobbyists this time.
9:05 – I enter my senators office. One of the legislative aides I work with is there. The senator already went down to the Senate floor to get work done.
9:25 – I head to the first floor. There is a display set up for the “Fallen Heroes Memorial”.
9:30 – A group of students are visiting. The group has about 25 elementary aged students.
10:15 – Two groups of two entered the building. The first pair consisted of a man and a woman in their 60s. The second pair was a man and a woman in their 40s. Both groups looked like tourists. One person in each group had a camera.
Note: I’m not sure if it was because it was a weekday morning or because it was close to the end of the session, but it was a slow day with very few people passing through.
As I visited the Capitol this time, I expected to see a lot of differences in how the politicians and lobbyists used the building. The reason I expected to see differences was because it was the next to last day of the legislative session, meaning things would change for each of the groups that use the Capitol and in different ways. For instance, with only one day left to work, the politicians that use the building would be extremely busy and would be on the Senate or House floor for the vast majority of their time. I figured there would be fewer lobbyists. Since it was the next to final day, most of the issues would have already passed through their first reading, so there would be less need for lobbyists to try to persuade the politicians on any of the issues that remained. The number of school groups and tourists changed, most likely because of the day of the week. The number of normal employees stayed the same.
Here are some general observations and then two of the interviews I did that seemed to be the most different from each other
ReplyDeleteObservations 2:
Saturday May 15th
11am-12pm
A lot more people are at the park today, probably because it is a weekend
There are people playing tennis today, unlike Monday
People are practicing tai chi
There is a more varied age group than before and people are in larger groups
Interview Questions:
How often do you come to Wash Park?
Do you live close to the park?
Why is the park important to you?
How do you usually use the park? Activities?
Do you usually come by yourself or with others?
Interview 1: Lauren
Q1: a couple times a week, usually when I just need to get away from campus
Q2: I go to DU and live a couple blocks away
Q3: get to be around different types of people than the ones who are on campus and it gives me a place to get outside and be surrounded by something more natural than the campus and surrounding buildings
Q4: Mostly just walking around the pond or sometimes studying
Why do you like to do that here as opposed to other places? – it’s a better variety than just what is around campus and its so much more open than the lawns and greens on campus
Q5: usually by myself but sometimes I’ll come with a friend or two just to walk around
Interview 3: Anne
Q1: every Saturday and Sunday morning for a walk
Q2: not extremely close, her children like this park so she usually drives from about 10 mins away so they can play
Q3: it gives her and her kids a place to spend time together and it’s a special treat at the end of the week. It also feels very safe, so her kids can go play by themselves
Are there other parks closer to your house that you don’t think are as safe? – yes, that is why we drive to this one instead of walking to one closer to our house
Q4: I usually walk around with my kids or sit and read while they play
5/15
ReplyDelete6:10 game time
Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals
Hammel vs. Atilano
Back end of a double header, Rockies won the first game (12:10 start)
Two games already rained out this week
Tornado warning in affect
4:55 partially cloudy, warm, dark clouds in the distance
FOCUS: Union Station to Coors Field
Wynkoop Street
A lot of pedicabs and cabs
Vendors and scalpers starting at the station
Rockies jerseys, t-shirt jerseys and hats
23 out of 30 other MLB teams represented by jerseys, t-shirt jerseys or hats, as well as Toronto FC (MLL), Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and NASCAR gear
Fans: mostly families, some couples and father-son groups
Also a lot of groups of ladies, but not a Ladies Night promotion
20 closed sections in the upper level seating. They’re only open for Opening Day, Red Sox series and Play-Offs
Rock Pile sold out, next seats people were buying were a $12 promotion in the 300s level
Weather became cold and unpleasant during bottom 1-top 2, still mass consumption of beer
Song contest:
Saturday Night
Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting
American Saturday Night – winner
A lot of college apparel, Air Force, CU, UNC, CSU, DU
Back to back HRs in the bottom of the 3rd, 2-0 then 3-0 Rockies, fans going wild and having a good time, dancing with one hand, a lot holding beers, in the air
Tulowitzki comes to bat to Party In The USA, fans still going wild and having fun, continues into the top 4th. Nationals make the game 3-2; stadium grows quiet and the attempts of getting “the wave” going fail.
A lot of fans look to have pregamed heavily, many drunk, some too drunk to walk straight in the top of the 4th.
Date/time: Saturday, May 15/1-2pm
ReplyDeleteObservations:
After my trip to Aurora Public Library on a week night, I decided to return on a weekend day. Of course the library was as crowded as possible but this time it was filled with various types of people. Also another huge difference in visitors from last time was that there were many more children this time but that makes sense because they wouldn't be out on a week night. I was fortunate enough to sit at the same table where I could look over the library once again. Once situated, I began observing the various people and their actions. I was intrigued by the little kids (ranging from ages 5-10)that were there with their parents, aunts/uncles, and even grandparents. Seeing the children with the adults felt like a rite of passage that they all needed to experience. The adults tended to look over the children carefully while guiding them through the books and videos. I got a chance to talk to one of the grandparents that was at the library with his granddaughter. Once I introduced myself and explained the objective of this assignment, without any questions, the man began talking about the importance of the library for him and his granddaughter. He explained by saying that [the library] "is a meeting place" for them and once a week he's able to spend time with her and he wouldn't prefer to "go anywhere else with her except the library." I was inspired by the gentleman because he was so passionate about spending time with his grandchild but the thing that stuck out the most is that he wanted to pass on his love for knowledge onto her, he wants her to remember him and their weekly library trips. Although the granddaughter was only 6 years old, I didn't need to interview her to find out her sentiments about the library but I could see it in her interaction with her grandfather and other visitors. She bounced around the library asking people what they were reading and doing while also being able to sit down and have her grandfather read her a story that she contently listened. Observing this particular pair allowed me to relate this interview with an article I found in class. The journal article discussed library spaces and how they are utilized as "meeting points," and that is exactly what the library serves as for the grandfather and his granddaughter. As for other patrons, it seemed as if the library is a place of relaxation because the majority of the visitors filled out the tables and couches where they enjoyed calmly reading and working on projects. I was only able to accomplish one interview today but hopefully I will achieve another one next time.
Field Notes II
ReplyDeleteBotanic Gardens
5/16/10 9:30 – 12:00
9:30 – The gardens are much less crowded than Mother’s Day. Most of the people at the gardens are older couples or grandparents with their grandchildren.
10:00 – Walking through the paths, I can smell the blossomed flowers and the lilacs that just blossomed within the week.
10:30 – I interviewed an older couple that was sitting at the little café near the Japanese gardens. They have been going to the botanic gardens since it opened. They live in one of the apartments that overlook the gardens and try to come to the gardens at least once a week in the summer. They talked about all the changes the park has had since it opened and what they disliked and liked about the changes. The husband had actually graduated from DU.
11:00 – I ate lunch and noticed that the lady who feeds squirrels was there, again. This time she was feeding the squirrel with bread instead of peanuts. All the products at the café are compostable and made from corn from a local company in Boulder.
11:30 – The lilacs had blossomed and many people brought their own food and blankets to sit in the lilac gardens. Many bring books and journals and find one of the many quite benches to relax and enjoy.
This time, I had a much better experience compared to Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day was a little chaotic for me. This time, I went early in the morning and it was quiet and really relaxing. I also saw more parts of the gardens that I missed the first time, and it seems like every week, something new has blossomed. Sitting on one of the benches, overlooking one of the ponds, on a warm, sunny day, I felt like I could sit there the entire day.
The Lamont School of Music
ReplyDeleteObservation I: The TEDxDU event
On Thursday May 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. I observed Gates Concert Hall and the general surroundings.
At 12:45 p.m. in Gates Concert Hall, I saw more people there than I have ever seen before. That day was the day of the TEDxDU event and the house was packed. I saw more people than I saw the actual building. They had been invited by students and faculty. And there were people there who had been informed of the event by newspaper ads and emails. The space was a bit unfamiliar to me at the moment. The sound of people in the lobby was a bit overwhelming. The fact that the Gates Concert Hall has a substantial echo anyway didn’t help the situation. I was near shouting when speaking to the friend I came with.
At 1:05 p.m., we head into Gates Auditorium and it has a completely different feel to it than it has had at previous events. I wondered if the balcony overhead was filled with people as well as the seating below. Popular music from the 80’s and 90’s was playing loudly and people in the audience were up and talking as opposed to how it usually is with soft whispers as people anticipate a show to begin.
At 1:17 p.m. I observed the structure of Gates Concert Hall and was amazed when I discovered that there was working equipment above the stage and well as when I discovered that the lights were adjustable. My jaw dropped when the chandeliers in Gates Concert Hall were retracted into the ceiling.
At 1:25 p.m. I viewed the screen that is apparently in Gates Concert Hall. I wonder if the screen is there all the time or if it was installed for this event specifically.
From 1:30-3:25 p.m. The audience is fairly silent as each speaker addresses the crowd. The stage is used as a platform to showcase music, oratory presentations, and art. In the span of two hours, the stage and the audience was new to me. Usually, the stage is used as a place to showcase music from students at Lamont, not for presentations. Usually, the audience is somber and quiet as they listen to respected musicians. The audience at the TEDxDU event was excited, energetic, and ready to listen as they shared ideas. The audience stood up and sang together, we shared ideas with one another, and we applauded the speakers together.
This time around, I was surprised at the space I observed. There were so many people there that it almost made the space unfamiliar. Seeing the amount of the people helped me to observe the space in a new way and raised new questions. I wondered if the kind of events and the amount of people changed the way the space was used or if there was still a common theme within that space. I also observed different things that were going on such as the retractable lights and the stage structures above the stage. It was an interesting way to observe the Lamont School.
1) May 11, 2010 2:30 PM, outside of Neiman Marcus at the Cherry Creak Mall in Denver, Co
ReplyDelete2) The mall is not very crowded, most of the workers are going about business on their own due to the lack of customers in the store. There are approximately six customers on the first floor of the store, five are women and one is a man. Four of the woman appear to between the ages of 35-50 and the man and remaining woman seem to be above the age of 65.
3) The store is well lit and beautifully decorated as usual. There is music playing very softly inside, you have to concentrate to really hear it. The smell is a mixture of the starbucks stand just outside the door and the perfumes being sold in front. Every item is perfectly placed on display and nothing seems out of place. A picture of the store taken at this very moment could be used as an advertisement. All the employees are neatly dressed in all black with their hair and make-up neat and modest.
4) The store is intimidating. I am more nervous than usual to approach people because of the perfection of the store around me. The employees are intimidating because they all look so professional and do not seem to take notice of the me (wearing a flannel and leggings). The customers exiting the store are intimidating as well because they seem so confident. I approach two girls around my age first to break the ice and relieve my tension. The girls were very nice and easy to talk to. The adults I approached after the girls were much less happy to speak to me and I got turned down numerous times before successfully conducting an interview. The employees I interviewed were happy to speak to me but still seemed uncomfortable being questioned. They were very hesitant and I could tell they thought a lot about what they were going to say before they answered each question.
5) I asked the similar question to each person I interviewed but my I formed some questions on the spot to further discuss their previous answers. I spoke to the customers mainly about how the store made them feel and their customer service. I asked the employees mainly questions of the behaviors they observe from their customers and how they feel people view Neiman Marcus.
6) I would like to look further into what relates all the customers. Also, the affect the store has on its customers. I want to see what the people who shop their value and the variations in the shoppers intentions. I also would like to see what affect these “elite” members of society have on the rest of America.
I noticed the general atmosphere of the store and how the behaviors of shoppers changed as they entered the store. I also observed the details of the store that differentiate it from other department store and make it stand out as superior. My observations were not much different than the last time. I’ve noticed that most of the customers that use the space are pretty similar. I feel the price of merchandise sold in the store filters out a variety of people who would otherwise be there.
Name: “Nathan”
ReplyDeleteAge: 18
How frequently do you visit the mall?
Whenever there is something I need to pick up
Do you ever go to the mall just to hang out and spend time with friends?
Not really at this point in my life.
If yes, what is enjoyable about going to the mall for leisure?
If no, when do you visit the mall?
Only when I know what I am going for and I usually don’t linger
What groups of people do you see at the mall for leisure most often?
Mostly middle school aged kids. I sometimes get annoyed but it makes sense because I used to do it.
Why would you go to the mall at that age?
were allowed to be there without parents. I didn’t really care about the shopping it was just something to do. We could hang out with girls and hang out with friends and not have to think about our parents watching us. It was something they felt comfortable with and we appreciated.
Name: “Sarah”
Age: 19
How frequently do you visit the mall?
Probably 4 or 5 times a month
Do you ever go to the mall just to hang out and spend time with friends?
not really with the intention of hanging out with friends but sometimes I will go even if I don’t intend to buy something, its something to do and I might discover something worthwhile.
If yes, what is enjoyable about going to the mall for leisure?
Its just a nice way to spend the afternoon if I don’t have too much homework or other plans
If no, when do you visit the mall?
What groups of people do you see at the mall for leisure most often?
Mostly younger kids but there are groups of girls closer to my age sometimes too